​The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) was signed into law on February 17, 2009. Funds from the ARRA are being distributed to communities across the nation, including Wake County.

A summary of stimulus funding received or being pursued by Wake County can be viewed here.

Wake County is working to ensure that ARRA funds received from the federal government make their way to citizens in need as quickly as possible. This website is designed to help citizens see how funding is being spent in Wake County. Types of funding available to Wake County are listed here. Links, as well as a summary of how the money will be used as it becomes available, are listed below.

For more information on stimulus funding, visit any of the following Web sites:

ARRA and Wake CountyFor more information on the federal stimulus as it relates to Wake County, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.

Stimulus Funds Received by Wake County Government and Partner Agencies

In-School Influenza Clinic CampaignOn September 8, 2009, the Wake County Board of Commissioners voted to accept $296,631 in funding to be used to increase the number of children and adolescents who receive seasonal influenza vaccinations. This funding will address federal, state and local objectives for vaccination of children for seasonal flu.

Wake County will use the funds for in-school influenza vaccination clinics during the 2009–2010 influenza season, targeting 19,000 students in grades kindergarten through 12 through clinics at WCPSS high school sites across Wake County.

Funding is restricted to costs associated with the campaign, such as part-time temporary nurses, administrative support, data entry staff, supplies, printing and administrative costs. Five percent of the total funds must be distributed among the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) for goods and services, which may include supplies, paper, desktop printers to print forms onsite, and reimbursement for janitorial and security services.

Homelessness PreventionHomelessness Prevention programs provide financial assistance and services to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless, and help those who are experiencing homelessness to be quickly rehoused and stabilized. The funds under this program are intended to target individuals and families who would be homeless if they did not receive this assistance. As part of the ARRA, Wake County has received $582,164.

UPDATE: On September 8, 2009, the Wake County Board of Commissioners voted to approve administrators for Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program (HPRP) Grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. As a result, Triangle Family Services will administer $531,145 and the Women’s Center of Wake County will administer $51,019 in funding.

The funds are to assist families who are homeless or in rental housing, are in imminent danger of becoming homeless, and earn below 50 percent of the area median income. The HPRP grant is for direct client assistance, which includes case management services, rental subsidies and utility payments to help families stabilize and prevent them from becoming homeless or limit the duration of their homelessness. Families may receive up to 18 months of assistance and are expected to be self-sufficient in their housing after that time. The total amount of the grant funds must be spent within three years, and two-thirds must be spent within two years.

The program requires that every three months, clients must be evaluated to make certain that they are progressing on the road to self-sufficiency.

Through the selected nonprofit administrators, Wake County will assist families living outside the corporate limits of Raleigh, while the City of Raleigh will assist families in the City.

Workforce DevelopmentThe Capital Area Workforce Development Board, composed of Wake and Johnston counties, announced Monday, April 6, 2009, that it has been awarded $3,229,421 in Workforce Development funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The grant, which was accepted by the Wake County Board of Commissioners, will be used to provide jobs for dislocated workers, underemployed adults and youth. Priority will be given to veterans.

UPDATE: As of October 2009, approximately 351 youth in Wake County received a summer work experience. So far, six have retained part-time employment, while 17 have retained full-time employment. Wake County will continue to track the results of the program.

Community Development Block GrantThe Community Development Block Grant program enables local governments to undertake a wide range of activities intended to create suitable living environments, provide decent affordable housing and create economic opportunities, primarily for persons of low and moderate income. As part of the ARRA, Wake County has received $378,721 for Community Development Block Grants.

Byrne Justice Assistance GrantThe Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program allows states and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime and to improve the criminal justice system.

The procedure for allocating JAG funds is a formula based on population, crime statistics and other factors to ensure that each state and territory receives an appropriate share. Funds are distributed 60/40 between state and local recipients. Wake County will receive $416,925 in JAG funding for public safety projects.

Energy Conservation Block GrantThe Energy Conservation Block Grant can be used for any project that reduces fuel emissions or energy use as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. Governments across North Carolina will receive $58 million from this program, including:

Wake County, $3,030,300

Raleigh, $3,820,400

Cary, $1,166,800

The County is examining the possibility of using these funds in current and upcoming construction projects, fleet operations and other appropriate areas. Details on this grant will be provided soon.

Stimulus Funds Received by Other Organizations Affecting Wake County

Highway and Bridge Improvement ProgramThe North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) received $838 million in federal funding, including $735 million for highway and bridge improvements as part of Highway and Bridge Improvement funding awarded to states from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The legislation offers funds for transportation infrastructure, including roadway improvements, and requires states to obligate the first half of funding within 120 days of receipt, and the remaining half to projects within a year.

In Wake County, the ARRA will fund several roadway improvement projects. The following projects were scheduled by NCDOT, but have been delayed due to the State’s budget crisis:

I-440 from Wake Forest Road to Wade Avenue, $4 million

US 64 from US 64/264 Bypass to Nash County, $7.9 million

I-540 from I-40 to US 70, $4 million

US 64/264 from Zebulon to Nash County line, $2.5 million

Federal Tax Information for FY 2009For information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, including the Making Work Pay tax credit, visit www.recovery.gov. A large number of opportunities are becoming available as federal agencies implement the Recovery Act. Anyone can search, monitor and review grant opportunities at Grants.gov; contract opportunities at www.FedBizOpps.gov and loan opportunities at www.GovLoans.gov.